We seem to live in a world of plastic. Our lives are so busy and hectic that plastic storage seems to be the quick and easy solution for organizing and simplifying our lives. I love the function of those pieces but also want a studio with personality, character and warmth to inspire. I want a studio I can't wait to enter! Through this blog I want to offer inspiration and solutions for storage and organizing and to share ideas for the three R's: repurposing, recycling and reusing!

Sunday, January 9, 2011

Set Attainable Goals!

I have been better at browsing other blogs that I follow than I have been at updating my own. I'm not quite sure where the past two months or so have gone, but I am back. Two things jumped out at me as I looked through the other blogs.

First of all there were many, many bloggers apologizing for getting busy and not updating their blogs as often as they had intended lately. I for one totally understand where they are coming from~lol. Need I say more on that subject?

Secondly, it seems a lot of crafters and artists are rolling in the New Year with the intention of organizing their studios. A massive cleanup job needed in their studios was a common thread. Some are even going beyond the studio and focusing on their entire home. This is my segway to the topic for today...

When setting out to organize your studio or just clean up after the crazy holiday rush, don't feel like it all has to be done in a day, or a week or even a month. Start by making a list, either mental or (preferably) written, of specific areas you need to work on. Then prioritize them. Set up deadlines for each project or area if you like or just begin and work at your own pace or as time allows. Everything I have learned either from experience, through seminars, books or articles about goals confirms that you have to have attainable reasonable goals or you will just abandon them altogether.

Another thing I have learned over the years is to set up baby steps and not just one large goal. For instance, rather than setting a date to have your entire studio totally buff and organized, break it down to a series of bite size smaller goals. Set up realistic dates for the various tasks it will take to accomplish that ultimate goal. For example, set aside a date and time to sort through your buttons, ribbons and/or other embellishments. Maybe your first goal is to sort through one or two drawers or shelves in your studio that have become cluttered. After you have gotten started and begun to meet some of those goals, focus on and enjoy what you have completed rather than thinking you have so much more to do and that your studio is still a disaster. Reward yourself for what you have done rather than what you haven't completed! Remember, if you set unreasonable or unattainable goals, you will probably not reach them and will soon feel frustrated and unmotivated.

I am beginning the process of turning my office into a studio and will be sharing some of that with you in later posts.

LINKS: I have posted a few related links below along with a couple of simply inspirational links.

If you visit any of them and leave a nice comment, feel free to let them know you found their link here.

This first one is totally related to the frustration we all feel at times when we try to accomplish more than fits our schedules. We do all have lives to live and sometimes that can deter your plans. She has a link on her sidebar to the 'challenge' she has taken on. I know I have felt her frustration.

Belinda has a way of controlling all the information she finds on the Web. She shares her great idea on the link below. I also find that you can copy and paste the information you want to save to a Word document and give it a name you will recognize and be able to find. The Word documents can be organized by category in a special place on your computer, into folders named by subject. With either of these methods be sure to adhere to Copyright issues.http://creativehardt.com/index.php/business/keeping-control/

4 comments:

WOW, when you make up your mind to change your blog.....you went big time! The new black and white is wonderful. Crisp and smart.And your post is divine. I'll take the time later today to visit all those blogs you listed and glean some informatiion from each and everyone of them. Today is busy with getting organized myself. My desk is a wreck, my watercoloring has been sitting for a week, and there is a laundry room calling my name!BUT, I promise to sit and enjoy your new blog and links with a nice cuppa coffee this afternoon!Thanks for following my NetBlog...I have no idea what that's all about, but I was 'game' to give it a try!Hope you are doing well and are warm inside this weekend. No snow here, but surrounding us. We were in Leadville alot lately to enjoy THEIR snow. Did some skate skiing yeesterday and I am feeling it today!Hugs,Jan

Your post is so informational and thank you for sharing. I was one who also sorted and organized but didn't overwhelm myself this time. I did one dresser drawer at a time instead of the entire 12 drawers. Much better for me. Your new blog look is fabulous. Happy New Year 2011...

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This photo is of my grandmother dressed for a costume party. I admired her so much and when I see this photo of a woman that wouldn't go out of the house without her Sunday best on, I have to giggle. She reminds me to never take myself too seriously.